Disney Dining: Holiday Pricing and Gratuities
If you are planning to visit Walt Disney World Resort during a high demand season you will want to be aware that a number of the restaurants implement higher pricing during those times. You can expect to pay about $4 more per adult per meal and about $2 per child ages 3 – 9. When budgeting for food, this is something you will want to take into consideration.
Before the 2010 Dining Plan you could avoid the extra expense by pre-paying meals by purchasing one of the Disney Dining Plans. When using one of the Dining Plans, regardless of the prices on the menu, you wouldn’t pay any more. The 2010 Dining Plan, however, has added a Peak Season which will increase the per adult price by $5 per night of your stay; $1 per child ages 3 – 9 per night of your stay. Dining Plan Peak Season dates are: Feb. 12 – Apr. 10, June 4 – Aug. 14, and Dec. 17 – 31.
But, even if you will be using one of the Dining Plans, and no matter when you go, you will need to include gratuities in your budget. When Disney first began offering the Dining Plans, gratuities were included in the price. Because many guests felt that service became less than Disney World-class, (servers knew they were getting 18 percent regardless), gratuities are now an additional expense. For a family of 4, on average, count on budgeting around $160 for 5 days/6 nights.
The following are typically Disney’s high demand dates and the restaurants that participate in seasonal pricing. Note that this list is subject to change without notice and may be revised to include other restaurants and dates.
November 22 – November 29 (Thanksgiving)
December 16 – January 3 (Christmas)
April 5 – April 18
May 24 – July 11
Restaurants:
1900 Park Fare – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Akershus – Norway – Epcot’s World Showcase
Biergarten – Germany – Epcot’s World Showcase
Boma – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort
Cape May Café – Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Chef Mickey’s – Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Cinderella’s Royal Table – Magic Kingdom
Crystal Palace – Magic Kingdom
Garden Grill – The Land – Epcot
Hollywood and Vine – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Liberty Tree Tavern (dinner) – Magic Kingdom
Ohana – Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Trails End – Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Tusker House – Animal Kingdom
Want to know more about Disney Dining? Check out these articles:
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